2263. Dolly's Brae (Traditional Loyalist Irish)

Dolly's Brae is a road with a difficult pass in County Down. On July 12, 1848, a large assembly of Ribbonmen gathered with the intent of stopping the traditional march of Orangemen to Tollymore. The Orangemen were forewarned and avoided the Brae that year, resulting in songs about their cowardice. So in 1849, the Orangemen went through the Brae, without encountering any problem. However on their return from Castlewellan, they were ambushed at the Brae. As they had prepared for such an attack they were ready to fight back and killed over a score of men with no losses themselves. This incident quickly became part of unionist mythology and Lord Roden was proclaimed a hero.
This popular loyalist song celebrates the battle.
This song was requested by david1966dc.
This song is too long to post here in full, so I will put the first few verses. Complete lyrics and chords can be found here: raymondsfolkpa...
C .................................................................... G7 ... C
'Twas on the twelfth day of July in the year of forty-nine.
........ F ................... C ........... G7
The pagans of this country together did combine,
....... C .............................................. F .......... G7 ....... C
To shoot and slay our Orangemen upon that glorious day,
.......... F .................... C ............................ G7 .......................... C
They did encamp in thousands great at a place called Dolly's Brae.
Lord Roden was Grand Master of the Orangemen just then,
No better chieftain could be found among the sons of men:
To humanists he would not yield, nor any Popish foe.
He firmly stood like Joshua on the plains of Jericho.
He sent an invitation to Rathfriland Orange Corps,
To come and spend the day with him at sylvan Tollymore
The Orangemen they did obey their noble chief's command:
So over Dolly's Brae they marched, a loyal, stalwart band.
And when we came to Westbridge, wasn't that a glorious sight
To see so many Orangemen all willing for to fight,
To march all round the old remains, the music so sweet did play,
And the tune we played was "The Protestant Boys" right over Dolly's Brae.
The sun did shine with splendor in a bright and cloudless sky,
Our drums did beat and fifes did play, and Orange flags did fly,
Each loyal son, with sword and gun, was ready for the fray,
Had the rebel hordes attacked us going over Dolly's Brae.
Priest Mooney and Priest Murphy went through the rebel lines,
Distributing the wafer god among the Phillistines;
Priest Mooney cursed the Orangemen with candle, book and bell,
While the rebel crowd did cry aloud, "We'll drive them all to hell."
Then out bespeaks our Orangemen, "Indeed we won't delay,
You have your men all gathered and in a manger lay.
Begone, begone, you Papist dogs, we'll conquer or we'll die
And we'll let you see we're not afraid to cross over Dolly's Brae.
But still the Orangemen marched on thru Castlewellan town,
Brave Jordan being in command, he feared no Popish frown,
He nobly led his brethren on like William, Prince of yore,
Until they reached the entrance gate of sylvan Tollymore.
A splendid arch that gate did span which we all passed thru,
And in the center of the arch these words appeared in view;
"Welcome all to Tollymore, this day we gladly join,
To commemorate and celebrate the victory of the Boyne".
Lord Roden gave a brief address, and then to us did say,
"Beware, my Orange brethren, going home by Dolly's Brae,
Give no offense to any man as you're returning home,
But don't look shy when passing by those pagan troops of Rome".
We loudly cheered for Roden then and for the British Crown;
Slieve Donard sent the echo back o'er Castlewellan town.
The pagans heard our loyal cheers, as they lay on the hill,
Awaiting there, like hungry wolves, our Orangemen to kill.
We formed in full procession and unfurled our flags once more;
We bade adieu to all the friends we left at Tollymore.
With fifes and drums and loaded guns we gaily marched away.
Resolving to defend ourselves going home o'er Dolly's Brae.
With courage strong we marched along thru Castlewellan town,
And when we reached the Boretree Hill, a messenger came down.
He says, "Prepare both front and rear, attend to what I say.
A hot reception you will get before you're o'er the Brae.
Continued here: raymondsfolkpa...
You can see a playlist of my Orange songs here:
• Orange Songs
Lyrics and chords of many of my songs are no longer available, as my website has expired. I am currently posting lyrics to the information panels on all my videos and those that are too long to post in full will be found here: raymondsfolkpa...

[@dwtallone]

Thank you Sir, for sharing this Song of History 👍 My Grandparent's, both from County Armagh, were Orangemen and continued their loyalty even after moving to the USA. I donated a lot of Orangemen artifacts, which belong to them. It is now in a museum Ireland! Apparently, my Great- Grandfather (on my Grandmother's side) Graham, was a High Ranking Orangeman! Oh and if anyone is saying, can't be Grandparents lol Dad had me rather late in life! My Grandfather was born in 1880, Dad in 1908!!! 😉

[@raymondcrooke]

You're welcome, Dolly. Thanks for the information.

[@thomassmith7374]

My wifes Grandfather was an Orangeman from Ballynahinch, County Down. His surname was Graham.

[@zoologist1992]

@@thomassmith7374 Sorry. Unfortunately, the only Downsman I am related from is a Johnny Galagher of Drumgoo. Decades before the Carsonist Era.

[@ulstwarrior]

Never heard this version of dollys brae before excellent song thanks for putting it on here. I recently visited dolly brae it's an incredibly steep hill on a mountainside I wouldn't fancy walking it never mind walking it with a lambeg drum let alone fighting a skirmish at the top of it. From dollys brae to tollymore is 10 miles I think the start and finish point for the parade was ballyward 2 miles from dollys brae - 24 mile round trip. They were definitely a hardy breed.

[@raymondcrooke]

Thanks for the information.

[@bugler75]

Great rendition of Dolly’s Brae. I know the area well, going to Tollymore as a child for caravan holidays, then patrolling the area and coming under contact there when in the British Army during the Troubles and finally as a Paramedic in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. But it is still in one of the most beautiful places on the island and I visit there when I’m home (I live abroad now).

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you for your interesting comments.

[@edwardmorton6691]

I've heard this tune played many a time but this is the first I've heard the words . Well done, sir, for recording this and keeping alive an ancient song commemorating an important conflict that had a significant part to play in shaping not only Irish and British politics but that of Europe too. Thankfully we have all learned great lessons since then and we hopefully will not need ever again to write songs like this.

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you, Edward. Let's hope we can learn from history instead of sweeping it under the carpet.

[@cloneoffred]

That was tremendous but also serves a reminder to me that there are many Orange songs that have been lost through time,well done Raymond

[@zoologist1992]

Yup as well as Republican songs. Just think of lilliburlero. The age of the original name of the tune is so old that it is long forgotten. If there ever was one.

[@dan-860]

Revisiting your Orange songs. Years ago yet still great. Well done Raymond.

[@raymondcrooke]

Thanks for coming back to these songs.

[@jamesmccullough4169]

And the cry is STILL No Surrender 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@alistairwyllie8077]

What we must never lose sight of in these songs, many of which are banned in public now, is the event they commemorate. On the 12 th of July 1690 put quite simply a king and queen as co regents agreed to rule as constitutional monarchs subject to the rule of law and the expression of the free will of the people. They replaced a Catholic tyrant who accepted none of those things, who thought he was divinely appointed and that he could deal with the people as he wished. At the Boyne he was finally and fully disabused of that notion and banished forever. The day upon which William and Mary assumed the crowns of the home countries was indeed glorious and is the source of all of the liberties and freedom we enjoy today.

[@alistairwyllie8077]

@Jay Mcintyre try and sing any one of them in glasgow on the day of an old firm match - you wont spend the rest of the day at Ibrox or Celtic Park!

[@jamescarroll9022]

*Liberties and freedoms which only a small percentage of the population enjoyed. Especially on the island of Ireland. No, I do not think William was a bad person, I just think that narrative only fits for a very few here. William of Orange was just another pillar in the institution that upheld the oppression of Catholics in Ireland since the Nine Years War.

[@abdulabdullah3679]

Great to hear this rendition in an English accent. Would be fantastic to hear some other Orange tunes ,besides additioning English folk songs.They tell of legendary ,historical times. So enjoyable ,I listened to it 3 times !

[@THEWILLIAMITEBEAR]

Abdul Abdullah thinks its an Ozzie accent mate..

[@harry9392]

That's an ozzie accent?

[@DanDDirges]

Excellent performance Raymond and what a great song! I guess war has always been apart of the human history.

[@raymondcrooke]

You're right there - not much has changed. At least we get some good songs out of it.

[@billyleith7290]

Fantastic, really excellent performance.

[@raymondcrooke]

Thanks, Billy. I'm glad you liked it.

[@andrewross9685]

My good man you get me ready for the Old Firm 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you for listening.

[@raibeartthehairypict4696]

Excellent rendition of a favourite old tune. It's great to hear all the lyrics to the tune. Thanks !

[@raymondcrooke]

You're welcome, Rab. Thanks for listening.

[@remystorm2767]

I very rarely leave comments at all, but I'd like to sincerely thank you for all the lovely music you've provided over the years. I would have missed out on entire genres of enjoyable music if it weren't for your consistent work. Keep doing what you do!

[@raymondcrooke]

You're most welcome, and thank you for your message. It's great to get comments like this that show there are people out there who appreciate what I'm doing.

[@1952banjo]

Great song Raymond !! enjoyed very much !!!

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you, Virginia.

[@deepblue5099]

Quality as always Raymond, thank you for that. I love your renditions of Loyalist/Orange songs. (And the occasional Rangers one 😊). Keep it up sir! We play The Unwashed tomorrow so I’ll be listening to a few of your songs in the morning to help set the mood. 😊🇬🇧

[@raymondcrooke]

You're welcome. I'm glad you like my songs.

[@JennysCountryChannel]

Great performance, Raymond! Thumbs up :-) Have a wonderful Sunday......☼ Jenny ♫

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you, Jenny.

[@CaseyCamps]

Gosh you are dedicated sir I applaud you be blessed i love your music !!!! I have been watching this for whooo i am not quite sure anymore😀😀😀

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you. I'm glad you are enjoying my channel.

[@CountryFolkAndMore]

Great job, Raymond. I truly enjoyed this one.

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you, Wolfgang.

[@edmundbarton5886]

Greetings - please join me in serenading Good King William "The Protestant Boys are loyal and true - stout-hearted in battle and stout-handed too - although they bear and proudlwear the colours that floated oer many a fray- when canons were crashing and sabres flashing - The Protestant boys still carry the day.

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you for listening.

[@CrawfishParish]

A wonderful rendition..

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you, Michael.

[@RFC1872STB]

Great song and sung well. Great stuff Raymond

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you for listening.

[@THEWILLIAMITEBEAR]

Very good Sir.....thankyou for bringing this song to the present...

[@raymondcrooke]

You are most welcome.

[@edmundbarton5886]

The Sash - "It is old but it is Beautiful; and its colours, they are fine - it was worn at 'Derry. Aughrim, Enniskillen and the Boyne - My Father wore ir,, when a youth in bygone days ot yore and, on the 12th I always wear - The Sash my father wore.

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you for listening.

[@scottmckay1246]

Fantastic m8

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you.

[@RFCmorgan]

does anyone have full lyrics for this? Raymond seams to know more lyrics than any other version

[@Weir436]

Being on the 12th day of July, eighteen and forty-nine The pagans of this country together did combine, To shoot and slay our Orangemen upon that glorious day, They did encamp in thousands great at a place called Dolly's Brae. Lord Roden was Grand Master of the Orangemen just then, No better chieftain could be found among the sons of men: To humanists he would not yield, nor any Popish foe. He firmly stood like Joshua on the plains of Jericho. He sent an invitation to Rathfriland Orange Corps, To come and spend the day with him at sylvan Tollymore The Orangemen they did obey their noble chief's command: So over Dolly's Brae they marched, a loyal, stalwart band. And when we came to Westbridge, wasn't that a glorious sight To see so many Orangemen all willing for to fight, To march all round the old remains, the music so sweetly did play, And the tune we played was "The Protestant Boys" right over Dolly's Brae. The sun did shine with splendor in a bright and cloudless sky, Our drums did beat and fifes did play, and Orange flags did fly, Each loyal son, with sword and gun, was ready for the fray, Had the rebel hordes attacked us going over Dolly's Brae. Priest Mooney and Priest Murphy went through the rebel lines, Distributing the wafer god among the Phillistines; Priest Mooney cursed the Orangemen with candle, book and bell, While the rebel crowd did cry aloud, "We'll drive them all to hell." Then out bespeaks our Orangemen, Indeed we won't delay, You have your men all gathered and in a manger lay., Begone, begone, you Papist dogs, we'll conquer or we'll die, And we'll let you see we're not afraid to cross over Dolly's Brae But still the Orangemen marched on thru Castlewellan town, Brave Jordan being in command, he feared no Popish frown, He nobly led his brethren on like William, Prince of yore, Until they reached the entrance gate of sylvan Tollymore. A splendid arch that gate did span which we all passed right thru, And in the center of the arch these words appeared in view; "Welcome all to Tollymore, this day we gladly join, To commemorate and celebrate the victory of the Boyne". Lord Roden gave a brief address, and then to us did say, "Beware, my Orange brethren, going home by Dolly's Brae, Give no offense to any man as you're returning home, But don't look shy when passing by those pagan troops of Rome". We loudly cheered for Roden then and for the British Crown; Slieve Donard sent the echo back o'er Castlewellan town. The pagans heard our loyal cheers, as they lay on the hill, Awaiting there, like hungry wolves, our Orangemen to kill. We formed in full procession and unfurled our flags once more; We bade adieu to all the friends we left at Tollymore. With fifes and drums and loaded guns we gaily marched away. Resolving to defend ourselves going home o'er Dolly's Brae. With courage strong we marched along thru Castlewellan town, And when we reached the Boretree Hill, a messenger came down. He says, "Prepare both front and rear, attend to what I say. A hot reception you will get before you're o'er the Brae. As o'er the Brae we did proceed, the road being very bare, The Ribbonmen advantage took and fired upon our rear; Like lions stout we wheeled about, with powder and with ball, The volley we sent into them caused scores of them to fall. The battle it raged loud and keen along the mountain-side, To save ourselves, as best we could, our ranks we opened wide; The volleys from the rebel guns had no effect at all, For not a man among our ranks fell by a Papish ball. As fearlessly we charged them, their terror it was great, Thru rocks and whins, to save their shins, they beat a fast retreat The Coolagh tykes threw down their pikes and boldly ran away, And cursed the day they came to fight at fatal Dolly's Brae. And when we came to Dolly's Brae they were lined on every side, Praying for the Virgin Mary to be their holy guide , We loosened our guns upon them and we gave them no time to pray, And the tune we played was "The Protestant Boys" right over Dolly's Brae. The priest he came, his hands he wrung, saying, "My brave boys, you're dead, Some holy water I'll prepare, to sprinkle on your heads," The Pope of Rome he did disown, his heart was grieveful sore, And the Orange cry, as we passed by, was "Dolly's Brae no more!" Come all ye blind-led Papists, wherever that ye be, Never bow down to priest or Pope, for them God will disown; Never bow down to images, for God (you must) adore, Come, join our Orange heroes, and cry "Dolly's Brae no more." The battle being over, the glorious victory won. We reached our homes that evening by the setting of the sun, Our wives and sweethearts met us, returning home that day; With shouts of joy they greeted us safe back o'er Dolly's Brae. So now my song I mean to end, my pen I will throw down, I say success to every man supports the British Crown, And generations yet unborn shall sing this loyal lay, And speak of those that beat their foes at famous Dolly's Brae.

[@davidwelsh1872]

@@Weir436 👏👏

[@deepblue5099]

Do you do requests Raymond? Have you ever played ‘The Soldier’ by Harvey Andrews? It’s a song that I definitely think would benefit from a Crooke cover. As always I’m loving your work!

[@raymondcrooke]

Yes. Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpKxp3qLnq1jr7s

[@deepblue5099]

@@raymondcrooke Fantastic Raymond! I’m listening to it now and it, like all your work, is superb. Thanks for getting back to me.

[@tamgraham3749]

Unreal. Orange songs, absolute culture.

[@raymondcrooke]

Thanks for listening.

[@CovenantersfriendRTB]

No Surrender

[@kennymitchell4361]

Planted we may have been but we always spilled our blood for this land that is ours

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you for listening.

[@garymckinstry910]

Wow never heard all those verses! What a great peice oh historic poetry. Those men woukd turn in their graves if they could see the bunch of sell outs we have today.. real protestants then who knew what it meant and the truth of the Bible and falsehoods of Rome.

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you for listening.

[@edmundbarton5886]

Yesterday 12 July was ORANGE MEN'S DAY - GOD BLESS KING BILLY - I PARADED WEARING -THE SASH MY FATHER WORE

[@raymondcrooke]

And tomorrow is Bastille Day.

[@edmundbarton5886]

@@raymondcrooke We shall go to Mountjoy prison to celebrate

[@thomassmith7374]

👍

[@raymondcrooke]

Thanks.

[@Sacrifice-Loyalty]

Wonderful history...if you wish to part of the present and live in Southern Ontario CANADA join us!!... Loyal Orange Lodge 1331 Guelph Ontario...check us out on Facebook and start to make a difference!

[@paulfoster1454]

🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@raymondcrooke]

Thanks for listening.

[@ianstewart6570]

Sorry brother but as a true Orange loyalist I must inform you most of you're songs are wrong you have most of the original words but you're version has a lot of choruses that don't exist

[@raymondcrooke]

Well, I didn't make them up. All these Orange songs are requests and I can only go by what I hear others singing.